Welcome to the official MedicoExam syllabus guide for the AAPC Certified Inpatient Coder certification. This page delivers a clear, structured overview of the AAPC CIC exam, including key exam details, syllabus topics, and preparation references to support effective study planning. The AAPC Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) is intended for professionals pursuing roles aligned with Core + Medical coding + International, with assessment centered on applied competencies such as ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding, ICD-10-PCS inpatient procedure coding, MS-DRG/IPPS and inpatient documentation review within real-world settings like hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, inpatient rehabilitation or long-term care facilities and related settings.
The syllabus outline below reflects the core domains and expectations defined by the official AAPC certification framework and aligns with the cognitive and professional standards assessed in the AAPC CIC exam. Candidates can use this guide alongside official vendor resources and structured practice to align their preparation with current exam standards and professional expectations for inpatient coders, facility medical coders, hospital coding professionals and related roles
AAPC CIC Exam Summary and Key Details
| Exam Name | AAPC Certified Inpatient Coder |
| Credential | AAPC Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) |
| Vendor | American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) |
| Exam Code | CIC » AAPC CIC Certification Practice Exam |
| Exam Delivery Mode | Online live remote proctored exam or computer-based testing center exam |
| Exam Duration | 240 mins |
| Number of Questions | 40 multiple-choice questions and seven inpatient cases with fill-in-the-blank questions (proctored). Open code books (manuals). |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Exam Price |
$425 for one attempt $499 for two exam attempts |
| Scheduling Window | Exam voucher valid for 1 year from purchase |
| Schedule Exam | AAPC |
| Trainings/Resources | Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) Online Training Course |
| Sample Questions | AAPC CIC Exam Sample Questions |
| Recommended Practice | AAPC CIC Certification Practice Exam |
AAPC CIC Exam Syllabus Topics and Weighting
| Topic Areas | Topic Details, Courses, Books | No.Of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Record and Healthcare Documentation Guidelines |
- Recognize the limitations of EHR and how downtime is handled - Identify documentation deficiencies caused by copy/paste and use of templates - Explain HIPAA security and privacy - Define the reporting requirements under MDS - Demonstrate the proper procedure for addendums and alterations to the medial record - Identify components of the medical record - Identify the requirement for timely documentation - Recognize and properly code for procedures performed at the bedside - List the reporting requirements under UHDDS - Identify Joint Commission (JC) requirements for documentation |
7 |
| Medical Terminology, Anatomy and Pathophysiology |
- Define and apply medical terminology and anatomy - Identify pathophysiology to capture correct codes and identify documentation deficiencies - Recognize medications and conditions/diagnoses they are used to treat |
3 |
| Inpatient Coding |
- Identify benefits of computer assisted coding (CAC) - Explain what natural language processing is and which departments in the hospital use it - Apply Coding Clinic guidance to inpatient coding - Identify correct ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS codes for cases done - Identify proper procedure to look up DRGs (e.g., book, grouper) - Explain emerging roles for inpatient coders (DRG validator, auditor) - Identify conditions POA and use of indicators |
7 |
| Inpatient Payment Methodologies |
- Recognize proper procedure for compliance with the two-midnight rule and certification requirements - Define different bill types - Identify information found in a charge master - List examples of auto population of services using a charge master - Explain requirements to maintain and monitor the chargemaster - Define the role each department plays in chargemaster maintenance - Explain the 72-hour rule (24-hour for other types of inpatient services) and how services occurring prior to admit are reported - Identify different types of disposition and the impact on coding - Calculate base payments for DRGs - Identify elements needed to determine DRG assignment - Define what is supported in the DRG (e.g., services performed at another facility) - List and explain different types of DRGs (e.g., APR-DRG) - Identify Medicare code edits - Define different inpatient types - Explain and apply guidelines for selecting the principal diagnosis for different inpatient facilities - Explain impact of readmissions in a 30-day period - Explain when to rebill inpatient claim as an outpatient claim - Identify data submitted on a UB-04 |
9 |
| Outpatient Payment Methodology |
- Identify differences between outpatient and inpatient payment methodologies - Explain coding requirements under OPPS: Pass through payments - Explain coding requirements under OPPS: APCs and status Indicators |
3 |
| Regulatory and Payer Requirements |
- Review LCD/NCD and apply the policy to inpatient coding - Identify services covered by Medicare Parts A, B, C, D - Explain proper execution of the ABN and HINN - Review private payer policy and apply to inpatient payment - Identify precertification requirements |
6 |
| Compliance |
- Explain external payer audits process and responsibilities of hospital staff - Explain internal audits and how they relate to compliance plans - Know how to interact with auditors during an onsite audit - Identify audit targets on the OIG Work Plan - Explain the CERT audit process and requirements for response to a request for records - Explain the PEPPER report and how it is used - Identify examples of fraud and abuse - Explain the MAC audit process - Identify services approved for audit by the RAC auditors - Explain the Medicare appeal process and discuss requirements at each level - Explain the RAC audit process and requirements for response to a request for records |
5 |
| Coding Cases |
- Code the ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS codes for seven inpatient cases - Each case will have anywhere from 5-15 possible answers. Each answer is weighted the same. |
7 |
The AAPC CIC certification exam is designed to assess both theoretical knowledge and applied professional judgment in Core + Medical coding + International. The exam evaluates competencies such as ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding, ICD-10-PCS inpatient procedure coding, MS-DRG/IPPS and inpatient documentation review, ensuring candidates are prepared for real-world responsibilities as inpatient coders, facility medical coders, hospital coding professionals and related roles working in settings such as hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, inpatient rehabilitation or long-term care facilities and related settings.
To prepare effectively for the AAPC Certified Inpatient Coder exam, candidates are encouraged to review official vendor materials, complete structured practice assessments, and gain hands-on experience relevant to their professional role.
